A introduced me to Gungor, and while I listened to their music, I read their story and a mad crush ensued. Their eclectic stylings refuse conventional genre, so goshdarnit, they made up their own: "liturgical post-rock" for starters. "Beautiful Things" is simple, breathy and hope-filled, "Dry Bones" (my favorite) begins softly and finishes big, and "God is Not a White Man"…well that one reminded me of a kinder, gentler Derek Webb (and it still makes its point).
Reading their blog, I sense a genuine search for Jesus and exploration of their faith…and a slight chip on the shoulder for "traditional" church or maybe it's mainstream church. The kinda chip that grows from a faith that knew it all and now doesn't, that is comfortable with questions that don't demand answer. I think age and maturity imperceptibly whittle away those chips over time. Lots and lots of time.
To introduce them to you, I stripped them of stage and presence and chose "The Earth is Yours," captured live in a forest. Natural, organic…you'll really taste their flavor.
This band seems to espouse universal reconciliation, which is completely opposed to biblical teaching.
And as a side note:
Why would a Christian artist need to release a clean and an explicit version of a song? (Derek Webb)
needed to find this group today. thank you for sharing.
I like it! Thanks!
I really like this band and have been listening for a couple of weeks. I also recommend Mumford And Sons (different genre), a Blase recommendation so you know it’s good.
Regardless of clean or explicit versions, I hope that we are taking in the Art that is God-inspired and appreciating it for its beauty. I can disagree with a theological message and love the art in it. I can explore the art and learn more about culture and ideologies. I can dispose of that which needs to disposed and use the rest to inform my position of ministry to a culture base. Continuing to be insular, to wall ourselves off from that which does not sound “Christian” (as we understand the term in the marketplace) is a very, very tricky game.
Rachel,
Hmmm, I didn’t read that into what I saw; interesting. In my music tastes (as it relates to Christian music), I don’t rely on any band/performer to shape theology or instruct me…but I do appreciate all who lead me into a heart of worship. These kids are God seekers and to me, that’s always most important. My faith looked VERY different at 20, then VERY different at 30, and now in my 40s? Well, I think it’s approaching “real” :).
RE: Webb. Here’s the thing–he reaches some people and introduces them to God in a way that others are incapable of. I know he offend many, but that in and of itself isn’t problematic to me. Jesus offended a lot of people. Especially the uber religious.
Kelly,
It’s pretty wild how *just* the thing we need is dropped in our laps, huh? Love your pick from this group!
You’re welcome!
ditto this.
Seth,
You’re always money for recommendations of ANY sort…I’ll google Mumford & Sons for that reason :).
Re: the second half of your comment. Geez, why do I always forget how articulate you are? You expressed well how my thoughts were inclined. No man (regardless of position in the pulpit/music/speaker, etc.) DEFINES my faith, but I’m grateful for those who teach, inspire, minister, challenge…and sometimes tick me off. The ones who get me to think. To seek GOD for answers when what they’re saying (or singing) doesn’t align with my understanding of scripture. Sometimes I’m wrong. Sometimes I’m not. And a lot of times the answer is in the seeking, not the knowing. God is a mystery, after all….
so funny…i just stumbled onto this band a couple of weeks ago and have been enthralled and wanting to download/hear more…parallel lives, my friend…parallel lives
Hey, wait. I know this song. I’ve sang it in church before.
I like their sound, especially in this acoustic forest version. The instrumentation may not be balanced, but there’s something fun in this raw sound. Thanks for the intro!
Jesus didn’t offend people by sinning
Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
My daughter attends Ed Gungor’s church in Tulsa. I went to a service with her in June. It is very laid back, very casual, very comfortable. I enjoyed his teaching. I loved the music. Ed is Michael’s dad.